Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Thursday, March 17, 2011 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBER, FEW MEMORIAL HALL OF RECORDS MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA Commissioners Present: Cooney, Federico, Marotta, Menendez-Herbst, McCarthy, Woodward Commissioners Absent: Canepa Staff Members Present: Recreation and Community Services Director Kay Russo, Community Services and Library Director Kim Bui-Burton, Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Doug Stafford, City Engineer Tom Reeves, Recording Secretary Teresa Nash CALL TO ORDER CONSENT ITEMS Approval of Minutes 1. Thursday, February 17, 2011 Action: Approved as submitted (6-0-1, Canepa absent). ***End of Consent Agenda*** PUBLIC COMMENTS Sharon Dwight, New Monterey resident, reported that Hilltop Park has been given a new landscaping facelift and looks great. She encouraged the Commission to go see the improvements. PUBLIC APPEARANCE 2. Request to Use Monterey Beach - Ke Kai O'Uhane Outrigger Canoe Club - Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29, 2011 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the request of the Ke Kai O’Uhane Outrigger Canoe Club to use the Monterey Beach for their Memorial Day Hoe Wa’a Canoe Race event on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29, 2011, subject to meeting the routine Beach Use Conditions (6-0-1, Canepa absent). Recreation and Community Services Director Russo reviewed the request of the Ke Kai O’Uhane Outrigger Canoe Club to use Monterey Beach on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29, 2011 for their annual Memorial Day Hoe Wa’a Canoe Race from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Regatta Beach Use Permit fee of $400.00 will be assessed for the event and a picnic BBQ Permit fee of $57.00 per day. She said the schedule of events and activities being proposed are consistent with past regattas. Staff has been in contact with the event representatives and have been advised that the following Beach Use Conditions can be met: • The User Group will coordinate with the Parking Division for the rental of the parking lot for the regatta events. This area will be used for parking and off-loading of the canoes. All canoes will be off-loaded before 7:00 a.m. to ensure no traffic flow problems.  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 • Copy of Insurance Certificate for $1,000,000.00 listing the City as additional insured for each event. • The User Group will be required to rent a garbage dumpster from Monterey Disposal and coordinate with the Harbor Office for dumpster location. User Group will be responsible for litter pick up during and after the event and assurance of beach cleanup of the area. Do not leave trash bags on beach near trashcans. • The User Group fully understands the importance of cleaning the beach daily after the event. Failure to comply with this use condition will result in denial of future beach use requests. • The User Group will be responsible for providing extra portable toilets for the event. • The User Group will also coordinate with other City departments in regard to support services, i.e., Parking, Harbormaster, Trash & Recycling, and Coast Guard. • The User Group will designate an interim area to safely launch canoes and provide necessary spotters and cones to mark the launch area. • The User Group will park canoes back from the shoreline in order to give other beach users room along the shoreline. • The User Group will be responsible for obtaining a Regatta Beach Use Permit and a Picnic Permit from the Recreation and Community Services Department and paying the assessed fees prior to the event. On a motion by Commissioner Marotta, seconded by Commissioner Cooney and carried by the following vote, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the Ke Kai O’Uhane Outrigger Canoe Club request to use the Monterey Beach for their Memorial Day Hoe Wa’a Canoe Race event on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29, 2011 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., subject to meeting the routine Beach Use Conditions: AYES: 6 COMMISSIONERS: Cooney, Federico, Marotta, Menendez-Herbst McCarthy, Woodward NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Canepa 3. Review and Comment on Park and Recreation Related Proposed Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Action: The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the proposed Park and Recreation related Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) projects for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 and support all proposed projects with the exception of Item CW-10, York Road/Highway 68 Park, because it does not conform with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and is not within Monterey City Limits. City Engineer Tom Reeves reviewed the proposed park and recreation related Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) projects for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 and asked the Commission to provide comments back to the NIP Committee regarding the proposed projects. He stated the Commission’s review and comments should be based on compliance with the Parks and Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 2  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 Recreation Master Plan and with the City Council implemented guidelines for NIP projects that they must be related to public safety, public health, and essential maintenance. He reviewed the following submitted projects for Fiscal Year 2011-2012: Casanova Oak Knoll: COK-06 CONA Park Security Lighting Deer Flats: DF-01 Deer Flats Park – Replace Swing/Board Fence Del Monte Beach: DMB-02 Del Monte Beach – Replace/Upgrade Boardwalks DMB-04 Casa Verde/Recreation Trail Crossing Del Monte Grove/Laguna Grande: DMG-05 Laguna Grande Park – Replace Walkway Adjacent to Parking Lot Downtown: DT-04 Griffin Plaza Security Lighting Monterey Vista: MV-43 Monte Vista School – Replace Play Equipment Rubber Surface New Monterey: NM-09A Prescott/Devisadero Landscaping and Bench NM-13 Cypress Park Tennis Court Resurfacing NM-22 Scholze Park Frontage Improvements NM-23 Scholze Park Center Security Lighting NM-25 Hawthorne/POM Pedestrian/Bike Access NM-26 Cannery Row/Recreation Trail Crossings – Phase I NM-29 Sloat Monument Repair/Restoration NM-33 Cypress Park ADA Access to Tot Lot NM-34 Hilltop Park – Replace Sand in Tot Lot with Wood Fiber Skyline Forest: SF-01 Skyline Walkway Lighting SF-11 Skyline Forest Greenbelt Fuel Reduction – Phase VI Villa Del Monte VDM-07 Ferrante Park Irrigation Replacement City Wide: CW-07 Window on the Bay Bike Path Resurfacing CW-10 York Road/Highway 68 Park CW-16 Sollecito Ball Park Artificial Turf CW-20 Dennis the Menace Park Walkway & Access Improvements – Phase II CW-21 Monterey Bay Park Seat Wall & Irrigation CW-22 El Estero Streetscape – Phase III CW-23 El Estero Picnic Area Improvements CW-24 El Estero Lake Edge Improvements – Phase V CW-25 Monterey Sports Center Hot Water System CW-48 Wharf #2 Restroom Replacement CW-49 Iris Canyon Creek Stabilization CW-73 Monterey Sports Center – Replace Floors in Locker Rooms Commissioner McCarthy inquired about Item MV-43, Monte Vista School – Replace Play Equipment Rubber Surface, and asked would we still replace the rubber surface if this facility becomes a school again? Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated yes, we are the owners of the equipment and must maintain it. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 3  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 Commissioner Federico asked if the Monte Vista School grounds are open for public use. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated yes, the school grounds are available for the public to use. Commissioner Woodward inquired about Item CW-48, Wharf #2 Restroom Replacement, and wanted to know if this would be a brand new restroom. City Engineer Reeves stated that the old restroom building would be demolished and they would build a new restroom facility. He also stated that the cost for a new restroom facility in this location would be very costly due to having to raise the facility because it is located in the flood zone. Commissioner McCarthy asked if Item VDM-07, Ferrante Park Irrigation Replacement, includes the ball field. Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford stated it does include the ball field. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, stated that Bayview School is being closed and the New Monterey kids will be bused to Monte Vista School. She said the parents will be charged for bus service or will have to drive their children to school. She stated that NIP funded the existing play equipment at Monte Vista School. On Item CW-48, Wharf #2 Restroom Replacement, she stated that it would have to be raised above the flood zone and install a sea wall and that this project is part of the Catellus Master Plan. She stated that the City Council approved the NIP Committee to move forward for Fiscal Year 2011-2012, but that they may still take some NIP funding for other uses. She informed the Commission that the City Council pulled Item CW-49, Iris Canyon Creek Stabilization, from the Proposed NIP project list. Recreation and Community Services Director Russo stated that Item CW-10, York Road/Highway 68 Park, was questioned by the Commission at the last meeting and needed clarification whether this project was within Monterey City Limits. Sharon Dwight, NIP Alternate Spokesperson, stated that the NIP Nomination Form specifically states “county” for the location of this park. The Commission reviewed and discussed the proposed projects and determined that the following Citywide project does not meet the City Council criteria, does not conform with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and is not within Monterey City Limits, and do not recommend approval to the NIP Committee:  CW-10: York Road/Highway 68 Park City Engineer Reeves will submit the Parks and Recreation Commission’s comments to the NIP Committee. 4. California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) Awards and Installation Dinner 2011 Action: Information received. Recreation and Community Services Director Russo informed the Commission that the annual California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) District VI Awards and Installation Dinner is scheduled for Friday, April 1, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area – Red Bull Energy Center/Trackview Pavilion. She stated that each parks and recreation commission within District VI is asked to nominate and select one outstanding commissioner who best meets the selection criteria and they will be recognized at the awards dinner for their accomplishments. Each Commissioner is asked to vote for the Commissioner of his/her choice and give a brief reason why this individual should be recognized. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 4  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 Recreation and Community Services Director Russo asked the Commissioners to turn in their ballots by Thursday, March 17, 2011 if they wished to nominate a fellow commissioner this year and to also let the secretary know if they will be attending the awards dinner. The ballot results will be forwarded to the CPRS District VI committee. Sharon Dwight, New Monterey resident, said that she was nominated for the CPRS Lay Person Award years ago and it was one of her proudest moments. She encouraged the Commission to think of others who have gone the extra mile and give them this special recognition. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS & STAFF COMMENTS 5. Monthly Report - Recreation and Community Services Department - February 2011 6. Monthly Report - Parks Division - February 2011 Parks and Maintenance Superintendent Stafford reminded the Commission that the 55th Annual Cutting Day event will be held this Saturday, March 19, 2011 in Friendly Plaza. He reported that they are running an ad in the Herald for discounts at the Cemetery and stated the last time they did this they received over $44,000 in revenue. He also stated that the crematorium lease is up and a new RFP went out and that they only received one bid for this lease RFP. He said the Parks Division completed the new landscaping on the Del Monte median. Recreation and Community Services Director Russo reported that the Summer/Fall 2011 Activities Guide will be available on Monday, April 25 and new for this year we will begin registration for everyone, residents and non-residents, on Wednesday, April 27; staff is doing recruitment for summer jobs; and Pee Wee Baseball begins this Saturday, March 19 at Larkin Park. She also reported that Bay View Academy was approved by the Monterey County Office of Education and that they are still looking at Hilltop Park Center as a possible location for some of their classes. Staff will be meeting to discuss the Bay View Academy needs and what accommodations the City can make for them. She stated nothing is final; we are still exploring all options. Director Russo thanked Commissioner Marotta for playing music at the Senior Luncheon last month at Scholze Park Center. She also thanked Commissioner Menendez- Herbst for attending the City Council meeting on Tuesday to answer questions regarding our proposed fee increases. She reminded the Commission that the memorial for Helen Reed is this Saturday, March 19 at 3:00 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living Hall on the corner of Franklin and Pacific Streets. She reported that the City opened their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) last Friday for the tsunami and commended Bill Rothschild, Dayna Swanson, Bob Cowdrey, and the CERT team for their quick response and excellent work during this natural disaster. Director Russo stated there are no items for the April 21, 2011 Commission meeting and announced the meeting will be canceled. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Woodward asked if the City would use parks for people to evacuate to in case of an emergency. Director Russo stated the City has plans in place which include City facilities, school sites and the Fairgrounds among others. Commissioner Federico inquired about having a CERT Box placed at Shoreline Community Church on Garden Road because their facility could be used as a possible shelter. Sharon Dwight, CERT member, stated there are currently 10 CERT Boxes around the city and there is one located near that area. Director Russo suggested that Commissioner Federico contact Fire Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 5  Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 Chief Miller. Commissioner Federico also asked about CERT training for their staff and Sharon Dwight commented that they did CERT training for the Unity Church. Commissioner Menendez-Herbst stated that attending a City Council meeting reconfirms what we do as a Commission. She said it is important that we are represented at Council meetings and that we are more visible and supportive of Recreation. Recreation and Community Services Director Russo reiterated that it is very important for the Chair or Vice Chair to be in attendance at City Council meetings if we have an item on their agenda. Sharon Dwight, New Monterey resident, stated that Monterey was saved from the tsunami because of the breakwater and said we need to look beyond the harbor and install more breakwaters around the bay. She also stated that in the 1890’s census, Bay View was an elementary school. NEXT MEETING Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - Thursday, April 21, 2011  The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission is Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers. ADJOURNMENT Chair Menendez-Herbst adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved, Kay Russo Suzanne Menendez-Herbst, Chair Recreation and Community Services Director Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 17, 2011 6